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Language tuition for immigrants: a cornerstone of Swedish integration policy

This article discusses the importance of language tuition for immigrants in Sweden as a crucial aspect of their integration. It highlights the policy context, challenges, and state measures to improve Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) programs.

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Language tuition for immigrants: a cornerstone of Swedish integration policy

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  1. Language tuition for immigrants: a cornerstone of Swedish integration policy Henry Mårtenson Ministry of Employment Division for Integration and Urban Development

  2. The policy context • Policy aim: Equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities regardless of ethnic and cultural backgrounds • Integration strategy: Enhanced language skills and more adult education opportunities part of coherent integration strategy • Introduction Act: Language tuition, employment preparation activities and civic orientation compulsory elements of introduction plans • Swedish for immigrants available for all who do not speak sufficient Swedish

  3. Swedish for immigrants (SFI) • Language programme within adult education • Rights-based approach where the municipalities are obliged to offer SFI to migrants within three months. • Possible to combine SFI with vocational training, apprenticeships and other education. • SFI also part of a subsidised labour market programme “step-in” jobs. • Performance-based bonus to individuals who pass courses within 12 months

  4. Swedish for immigrants (cont)

  5. Some challenges • Lack ofindividuallytailoredcourses, especially in smallermunicipalities • Drop-out rates toohigh, especially in the lowercourses • Many do not complete the SFI courseswith a pass • Lowemployment rate (36%) oneyearaftercompleting SFI

  6. State measures to improve Swedish for Immigrants • Clear targets in the curriculum for SFI and compulsory national final tests • Increased funding for improving teachers’ skills and enhanced supervision of teaching in SFI • More possibilities to combine SFI with employment / vocational training • State grants for pilot projects aimed at making the courses more flexible and targeted towards individual needs • Government Enquiry on SFI

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